Woman-led Stories

Kauffman Foundation revises funding priorities to three key areas, sharing first public details of its new strategic focus

A refreshed vision for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation aims to make Kansas City a national model for equitable economic mobility, dismantling systemic barriers and setting generations of historically under-resourced communities on the path to prosperity, according to just-released details from the influential organization. Updates to the Kauffman Foundation’s strategy come after the summer 2023…

Closing the funding and resource gap for women-owned businesses 

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at Block Advisors by H&R Block, which was founded in Kansas City and boasts its headquarters in downtown KC.  Small businesses are the foundation of a flourishing economy. Every business, big or small,…

Female founders: Tips for infusing capital into your dreams 

Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. The following is a paid thought leadership piece from Terri Roberts Munsell, McQueary Schumm Munsell Group at Morgan Stanley. Today, women own four out of every 10 businesses in the U.S.(*1) Why women choose entrepreneurship  There are a variety of reasons that women…

Meet the Small Biz of the Year finalists: KC Chamber surprises Top 10 Mr K contenders

The Kansas City Chamber just unveiled its hotly anticipated Top 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year honor — surprising leaders from a wide range of industries with their tickets to the next round of the city’s most prestigious business competition. “This year, 60 candidates applied for awards, and we were awed…

Growing movement by Black farmers seeds plan to honor land, ancestors while cultivating better health

Dina Newman wanted to reclaim Black growers’ seat at the table — helping an overlooked community in Kansas City create their own healthy and affordable food systems to nourish themselves. “When I’m talking food system, I’m talking from a seed to plant,” said Newman, founder of Kansas City Black Urban Growers (KCBUGS). “When you look…